Natural Selection 2 similar games & best alternatives

Natural Selection 2

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2012

Should you play it?

A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!

What works
  • Unique fps-rts hybrid gameplay
  • Strong team cooperation and leadership
  • Asymmetric factions with distinct playstyles
  • High skill ceiling and strategic depth
  • Active community with ongoing updates
Things to keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Small and sometimes toxic player base
  • Long loading times and optimization issues
  • Limited character customization
  • Requires microphone and communication

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Executive Assault 2

  • Command & Conquer Renegade™

  • Executive Assault

  • Empires Mod

  • OBEY

  • Battlezone 98 Redux

  • Dota 2

  • Unfortunate Spacemen

  • Deep Space Battle Simulator

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Deep Space Battle Simulator

  • Kingpin — Life of Crime

  • Plunder Panic

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Cooperation

    Battle Dome

  • Leadership

    Eximius: Seize the Frontline

  • Strategy

    Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

Natural Selection 2: Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Status, Cooperation. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Leadership, Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Expression.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players can choose to play as commander with RTS control or as FPS soldier with different classes, allowing significant personal freedom and decision-making."

    Capsule for Nuclear Dawn Nuclear Dawn

    "Players can choose to play as commander with RTS control or as individual FPS units, allowing high personal freedom in roles and decisions."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "High skill ceiling with fast-paced combat, requiring reflexes, aiming, and strategic movement; learning curve noted by many players."

    Capsule for Hyper Dash Hyper Dash

    "High skill ceiling with steep learning curve; players must master FPS aiming, RTS commanding, and team coordination."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    4

    "Strong competitive multiplayer focus with ranked modes and skill-based matchmaking."

    Capsule for Slapshot: Rebound Slapshot: Rebound

    "Strong competitive multiplayer focus with ranked servers and skill-based matchmaking; players compare performance."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    3

    "Players report long play sessions, grinding combos, and habitual play; some mention hundreds of hours invested."

    Capsule for ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 ULTIMATE MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3

    "Many players report long sessions and habitual play, with some having thousands of hours invested."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    5

    "Teamwork is essential; players coordinate roles, paint paths for teammates, and communicate to achieve objectives."

    Capsule for Battle Dome Battle Dome

    "Teamwork is essential; players must coordinate closely with commander and teammates to succeed."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Customization of characters and some tactical creativity in role choice and strategy, but gameplay follows structured military roles and objectives."

    Capsule for Rising Storm 2: Vietnam Rising Storm 2: Vietnam

    "Some creativity in tactical decisions and commander strategies; limited character customization."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    3

    "Competitive environment with some reports of toxic behavior and frustration, but also community support and respect."

    Capsule for NARAKA: BLADEPOINT NARAKA: BLADEPOINT

    "Competitive environment with some reports of toxic behavior and harsh treatment of new players."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as a fun, intense distraction and stress relief with immersive sci-fi combat."

    Capsule for SYNTHETIK: Arena SYNTHETIK: Arena

    "Players use the game as intense distraction and stress relief through immersive sci-fi combat."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -3

    "Most players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation."

    Capsule for MORDHAU MORDHAU

    "Most players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Players explore different factions, mercenary units, naval combat, and tactical options, encouraging experimentation."

    Capsule for Act of War: High Treason Act of War: High Treason

    "Players explore different roles, factions, and strategies; game encourages tactical experimentation."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    2

    "Maps are varied and large, encouraging discovery and tactical positioning."

    Capsule for Empires Mod Empires Mod

    "Maps are large and complex, encouraging discovery of tactical positions and routes."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    -2

    "Limited character customization; mostly fixed character appearances and preset aesthetics."

    Capsule for LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 5-7 LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 5-7

    "Limited character customization; mostly standardized faction appearances and preset aesthetics."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    4

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with alien factions and imaginative units provides strong fantasy experience."

    Capsule for Silica Silica

    "Strong sci-fi fantasy setting with aliens and marines, asymmetric factions and unique lifeforms."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    4

    "Close-knit community with shared events, groups, and social interaction; players form bonds through teamwork."

    Capsule for Nuclear Dawn Nuclear Dawn

    "Community is close-knit and cooperative; players form social bonds through teamwork."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    4

    "Players develop skills and knowledge over time; learning curve is steep but rewarding."

    Capsule for Xsyon - Prelude Xsyon - Prelude

    "Players develop skills over time; game has steep learning curve and rewards mastery."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Typical sedentary gaming; no physical activity involved."

    Capsule for Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel

    "Typical sedentary gaming; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention during matches; not a casual or idle experience."

    Capsule for Bean Battles Bean Battles

    "Requires continuous attention and focus during matches; not a casual or idle experience."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    2

    "Some social interaction and camaraderie reported; however, interactions are mostly team-based rather than close personal relationships."

    Capsule for Insurgency: Sandstorm Insurgency: Sandstorm

    "Some social interaction and camaraderie, but mostly team-based rather than close personal relationships."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    5

    "Commander role involves leading teams, managing resources, and guiding strategy."

    Capsule for Eximius: Seize the Frontline Eximius: Seize the Frontline

    "Commander role involves leading, managing resources, and directing team strategy."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Clear progression through evolutionary stages and upgrades, accumulating mass and power."

    Capsule for Drifter Star: Evolution Drifter Star: Evolution

    "In-game progression through upgrades, resource control, and evolving alien lifeforms."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    -2

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging, with moments of high stress and adrenaline."

    Capsule for Day of Infamy Day of Infamy

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging, with moments of adrenaline and stress."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Engaging visual and audio effects with exciting combat and space atmosphere"

    Capsule for Space Run Space Run

    "Engaging audio-visual sci-fi atmosphere with suspenseful combat and effects."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    3

    "Recognition through ranks, badges, and community reputation is valued."

    Capsule for Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas

    "Recognition through skill, rank, and community reputation is valued."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    1

    "Narrative is present but considered weak and secondary to gameplay; some immersion in dystopian sci-fi setting."

    Capsule for TimeShift™ TimeShift™

    "Basic sci-fi narrative background; gameplay is mostly session-based without deep story immersion."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    5

    "Strong emphasis on tactical planning, problem solving, and strategic coordination."

    Capsule for Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead

    "Strong strategic and tactical planning required, especially for commanders."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    4

    "High tension and suspense in multiplayer battles with risk and reward dynamics."

    Capsule for War Selection War Selection

    "High tension and suspense from asymmetric combat and team coordination."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Players report high value for time invested due to replayability and engaging gameplay."

    Capsule for XCOM: Enemy Unknown XCOM: Enemy Unknown

    "Players report high value for time invested due to unique gameplay and replayability."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat and destruction of alien enemies are core gameplay elements."

    Capsule for Prey Prey

    "Combat and destruction are core gameplay elements, with shooting and alien attacks."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    3

    "Players must avoid death and manage resources to maintain position and progress."

    Capsule for OBEY OBEY

    "Players must avoid death and manage resources to maintain control and survive."

Last update: 01/06/2026